NEW YORK: A recent report published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has highlighted the prevalence of long-term Covid-19 symptoms in children, with approximately 1% of children in the United States suffering from these lingering effects in 2022. The report revealed that around 92% of children aged 17 and younger by last year showed antibodies indicating a previous Covid-19 infection.
The report emphasized the rarity of long Covid among youths, especially those under the age of 12. In comparison, another CDC report focusing on adults indicated that 7% of adults in the US experienced long Covid, with about half still grappling with the condition.
Long Covid, defined as experiencing Covid-19 symptoms for at least three months after testing positive for the virus, can manifest in various forms, including trouble thinking, headaches, changes in smell or taste, shortness of breath, depression, or anxiety.
Long Covid-19 in Men and Women
The data also revealed that long Covid was more prevalent in individuals between the ages of 35 to 49, and the condition was found to be more common in women than in men. Additionally, it was more frequently observed among residents of rural settings and individuals with lower incomes. The study, based on interviews, also highlighted a higher likelihood of girls exhibiting symptoms compared to boys.
Despite the absence of a specific cure for long Covid symptoms, healthcare professionals urge affected individuals to seek treatment for the symptoms they experience. The CDC emphasized the importance of prevention, stating, “The best way to prevent long Covid is to protect yourself and others from becoming infected with the virus that causes Covid-19 by staying up-to-date on vaccinations and avoiding close contact with those who have or could have the disease.”
The report underscores the need for ongoing research and vigilance in understanding the long-term effects of Covid-19, especially in vulnerable populations, as the medical community continues to grapple with the implications of the virus.
